The Future Of Recruiting: Can We Expect An Endless Recruitment Peak?

Usually when we talk about ‘Peak’, we mean in terms of logistics. But in recent months, we’ve noticed a different type: recruitment peak, where it appears the drive for talent is never going to end. In fact, it seems it's the future of recruiting. So, join us as we explain why, and how, you can tackle this peak.

The fall of unemployment

There's a lack of candidates out there, and unfortunately, this isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Even with the ongoing pandemic, unemployment is actually dropping. It fell to 4.7% for Q2 2021. And with furlough due to end on 30^th September, it’s predicted that this will reach a high of 5.5% by the end of third quarter. Although it will fall to 4.2% by the close of 2022, this will still be slightly above pre-pandemic levels. Whilst we can expect to see some candidates come onto the market for specific industries, it’s clear it won’t be for long.

The skills shortage

Even the candidates who are available might not have the skills required. Brexit has severely impacted supply chain and warehouse & distribution. For instance, reshoring and nearshoring of manufacturing operations from the Far East to Europe has resulted in a demand for operations and engineering skills. Added to this is the government's environmentally friendly initiative, where talent is need to help navigate the ban on petrol and diesel by 2030, amongst other things. And the issue is, every business wants skilled candidates. So, you have to act quickly - or you might risk losing them to a counteroffer. Throw the rise of eCommerce and the fourth industrial revolution into the mix, and it only complicates things further. Whilst this brings different efficiencies, it also brings complexities and a greater need for agility and analytical skills. Data skills is a particular issue, as nearly half of all organisations require these capabilities. Information management, understanding of emerging technologies and solutions, data understanding, and database management are all in demand. As are soft skills like communication, an analytic mindset, and adaptability.

The future of recruiting: A struggle?

On top of this, the British Chamber of Commerce found that 70% of organisations surveyed struggled to secure the staff they needed in the second quarter of 2021. The most challenged sectors were construction (82%), hotels and catering (76%), and manufacturing (68%). With 38% of businesses planning to increase their headcount in the next three months, this presents quite the challenge. Statistics like these make it apparent that the scramble for talent isn't just a short-term thing. When it comes to the future of recruiting, we think the hiring peak is here to stay. And in reality, the more recruitment required, the more effort and the more cost. That's why planning is essential to help you save both time and money.

Support from Cast UK

To land the best candidates, it pays to have a recruitment partner like Cast UK. We can support your strategic staffing needs – whether it’s executive and interim roles or multiple hires. Find out more about how our Solutions can help solve your recruitment difficulties here. It's no longer a one-way street for businesses to recruit people - candidates are scarce, so we take a proactive approach and get to know your organisation's culture, as well as understanding what individual candidates are looking for, to ensure the perfect match. With us, the future of recruiting can be a positive one for your company. If you have any questions about how we can find the talent your business needs, we’d be happy to answer them. Contact us on 0333 121 3345 or at hello@castuk.com.